Scrap Book Storage Device and System

ABSTRACT

A scrap book storage device and system comprised of: storage structure having a top surface, a bottom surface, and four reinforced, scrap-book dimensioned side to secure a scrap book is filled with memorabilia and decorations. The scrap book storage device is constructed of an acid-free, lignin-free, and water-resistant material to protect the scrap book. The scrap book storage device can further be part of a scrapbooking kit that contains materials necessary for embellishment.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application claims priority to Provisional Application No.60/940,969 filed May 31, 2007.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of scrap books and scrapbooking, and in particular to the field of a box or gift box for storingscrap books.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a top perspective view of one embodiment of the scrap bookstorage device.

FIG. 2 shows a front perspective view of one alternate embodiment of thescrap book storage device.

FIG. 3 shows an alternate embodiment of the scrap book storage devicefurther including a lid that fits over the scrap book compartment.

FIG. 4 shows an alternate embodiment of the scrap book storage devicefurther including a lid that folds over the scrap book compartment.

BACKGROUND

Scrapbooking is a method for preserving personal and family history inthe form of photographs, printed media, and memorabilia contained indecorated albums. Albums are sold in standard sizes and personalized bytechniques such as applying stickers, rubbing patterns, using stamps,adding journal entries, eyelets, brads and chipboard elements in variousshapes. The use of die cut machines is also increasingly popular inscrap booking.

The most basic component used in scrapbooking the scrapbook itself,which can be permanently bound, or allow for insertion of pages. Thereare other various album formats, such as mini albums and accordion-stylefold-out albums. Some of these are adhered to various containers, suchas matchbooks, CD cases, or other small holders.

Modern scrapbooking is done largely on a standard size 12 inch square or8½×1 inch pages. More recently smaller albums have become very popular.The most common new formats are 6, 7, or 8-inch square. It is veryimportant to many scrap book hobbiests to their scrap books. Inparticular, it is important to ensure that the materials held within thescrap book are not moved or jostled more than necessary overtime.

Although photographs and memorabilia are attached to scrap book pageswith adhesives, clips, pins and by other methods, the mover a scrap bookis moved or jostled, the more likely it is that the items within in willbecome disengaged,

Additionally, wrapping scrap books or storing them in conventional boxescan make it inconvenient to view the scrap books. Boxes are not easilyopened and closed over time, and it may be necessary to stuff paper,Styrofoam pellets, shredded paper, tissue or similar material in the boxto hold the scrap book securely.

Additionally, protective systems for scrap books (such as bubble wrap,cloth wrappings and paper wrapping) are not aesthetically pleasing orsuitable for both gift giving and display.

Moreover, traditional boxes of wood or paper may contain lignin which isa bonding element that holds wood and paper together and causes wood andpaper to become yellow or brittle over time. It is desirable to reducethe amount of lignin in a scrap book storage system.

It is desirable to have a scrap book storage device and system which isspecially designed for the dual purpose of gift giving and scrap bookstorage, which holds a scrap books securely and protects it over timeand which is designed to be opened and closed repeatedly over time.

As used herein, “scrap book” refers to any album, book, or other objecton which photographs, printed media, and other memorabilia can beaffixed.

As used herein, the term “reinforced box siding” means a box siding andouter edges which is reinforced or durably designed in a manner suchthat the sides of the box and upper edge will resist signs of wearcaused by fitted box lid being repeatedly removed and replaced.

As used herein, the term “reinforced box edges” which resist splittingand tearing over a period of time and in humid storage areas.

As used herein, the term “scrap book lining” means a specially treatedmaterial such as paper, fabric, plastic or other material than fullycovers the inner portion of a scrap book container, box or structure andserves as an additional structural layer. A scrap book lining mayprovide insulation, aesthetic appeal, added durability or serve as amethod of distinguishing a scrap book storage box as being designatedfor storing a scrapbook. A liner may further be treated to be mildewresistant or to repel insects and rodents and may be color-coordinatedwith a scrap book or box and may be odor resistant.

As used herein “environmental control component” is a substance encasedwithin a package which serves the function of absorbing moisture andodor. An environmental control component may include substances to addfragrance or repel insects (e.g., moths) and rodents. Silica and carbongel mixtures stored within 5 to 10 gram packets is a commonenvironmental control component. However, any other desiccant can beused as an environmental component.

As used herein, the term “scrap book dimensioned” means an objectspecially fitted to correspond to standard scrap book dimensions of 6,7, or 8-inch square standard scrap book size which is mass produced andcommercially available. When referring to a scrap-booking box, this termshall refer to a box with dimension which fits around the perimeter of ascrap book, so that the scrap book: cannot move within the box. Forexample, common scrap book dimensions may be approximately twelve inches(12″)-square or eight and one half inches; by eleven inches (8½−×11″),(9″×9″) but may be any other mass-produced and/or commercially availablesize, including six inches by eight inches (6″×8″), nine by nine(9″×9″), six inches by six inches (6″×6″), seven inches by seven inches(7″×7″) and eight inches by eight inches (8″×8″), and can also be madein any other size commonly known in the art.

As used herein, the term “water-resistant” is intended to be generic tomaterials that are water resistant as well as those materials that arewaterproof.

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the present invention,references are made in the text hereof to embodiments of a scrap bookstorage device, only some of which are depicted in the figures. Itshould nevertheless be understood that no limitations on the scope ofthe invention are thereby intended. One of ordinary skill in the artwill readily appreciate that modifications such as the size and shape ofthe scrap book storage device, dimension, ornamental features, and theinclusion of fewer and/or additional elements in the scrap book storagedevice and (as described herein) are deemed readily apparent and obviousto one of ordinary skill in the art, and all equivalent relationships tothose illustrated in the drawings and described in the writtendescription do not depart from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention. Some of these possible modifications are mentioned in thefollowing description. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein arenot to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claimsand as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in theart to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriatelydetailed system, structure, or manner.

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale,emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of theinvention. In addition, in the embodiments depicted herein, likereference numerals refer to identical or nearly identical structuralelements in the various drawings.

Moreover, the term “substantially” or “approximately” as used herein maybe applied to modify any quantitative representation that couldpermissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function towhich it is related. For example, one embodiment of a scrap book storagedevice is disclosed herein as having a substantially square top andbottom surface. The scrap book storage device and system mightpermissibly be somewhat non-square, i.e., rectangular, rounded, oval, oranother shape, and still be within the scope of the invention if itsfunctionality is not materially altered.

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a top perspective view ofone embodiment of scrap book storage device 100, into which scrap book50 fits securely and in which movement of the scrap book and objectswithin it are minimized. In the embodiment shown, scrap book storagedevice has the dimensions of approximately twelve inches (12″) square oreight and one half inches by eleven inches (8½″×11″), but there isincreased popularity in other sizes, including six inches by eightinches (6″×8″) six inches by six inches (6″×6″), seven inches by seveninches (7″×7″) and eight inches by eight inches (8″×8″), and can also bemade in any other size commonly known in the art.

Scrap book storage device 100 is shown in the open position and iscomprised of top surface 110, bottom surface 120, and four (4) sidesurfaces 130 to form scrap book compartment 150. Top surface 110 furtherincludes lid 112 (optional) which tucks into scrap book compartment 150to form scrap book compartment 150 closed on all six (6) sides. Scrapbook storage device 100 further includes environmental control component80, inserted within the box. In the embodiment shown environmentalcontrol component 80 comprises two packets of a carbon and silica gelmixture, but other embodiments may include different or additionalsubstances such as fragrance, insect and rodent repellent or otherdesiccants.

Also visible in FIG. 1 is scrap book 50. Scrap book 50 is comprised offront lid 51, back cover 52, spine 53, and pages 54. Pages 54 areattached to spine 53, and front cover 51 and back cover 52 provide aprotective layer for the memorabilia (not shown) contained therein. Mostcommonly, scrapbook pages 51 are approximately twelve inches (12″)square or eight and one half inches by eleven inches (8½″×11″), butthere is increased popularity in other sizes, including six inches: byeight inches (6″×8″), six inches by six inches (6″×6″), nine by nineinches (9″×9″), seven inches by seven inches (7″×7″) and eight inches byeight inches (8″×8″), and can also be made in any other size commonlyknown in the art; Front cover 51 and back cover 52 are typically thesame size as each other and can be either the same size as pages 54 orslightly larger to provide additional protection to pages 54. Scrap bookstorage device 100 is of a sufficient size to snugly hold and storescrap book 50. In addition, scrap book storage device 100 is sized toaccommodate any fabric, papers, decorations, or other embellishments onthe outer surface of scrap book 50 or memorabilia on pages 54 thatcreate a thicker scrap book 50. Thus, scrap book storage device 100 iscustom-sized for a particular size of scrap book 50.

In the embodiment shown, scrap book storage device 100 is formed of awater-resistant, scrap book dimensioned, reinforced boxed siding whichprevents wear from repeated removal of lid 50. In various embodiments,scrap books storage device 100 may be also be acid-free, lignin-free andwater-resistant.

Other embodiments of scrap books storage device may be fire resistant,mildew resistant and/or insect and mouse repellent. Still otherembodiments may be embellished or sold as a component in a kit in whichmay be embellished by decorative elements commonly used in scrapbooking.

Scrap book storage device 100 may be constructed of wood, speciallytreated and reinforced cardboard, foam, metal, plastic or any othermaterials capable of protecting scrap book 50 when contained therein. Inother embodiments, scrap book storage device 50 may include specialcompartments (not shown) for special memorabilia to be kept with ascrapbook, but not included in the scrap book (e.g., jewelry, heirlooms,hair, records, legal documents, dried flowers or other objects which mayserve as memorabilia).

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, scrap book storage device 100 isclosed by tucking lid 112 within one (1) side surface 130 to form scrapbook compartment 50. This is one (1) embodiment of a closure mechanism.Lid 112 can further include a hook, strap, snap, tab, or other memberthat secures lid 112 to side surface(s) 130.

FIG. 2 shows a front perspective view of one alternate embodiment ofscrap book storage device 100. In this embodiment, scrap book storagedevice 100 again forms scrap book compartment 150 into which scrap book50 fits, but is comprised of front surface 210, back surface 220, andthree (3) side surfaces 230. In this embodiment of scrap book storagedevice 100, scrap book 50 fits into scrap book storage device 100.

FIG. 2 further illustrates the inclusion of environmental controlcomponent 80. In the embodiment shown environmental control component 80comprises two packets of a carbon and silica gel mixture, but otherembodiments may include different or additional substances such asfragrance, insect and rodent repellent or other desiccants.

FIG. 3 shows an alternate embodiment of scrap book storage device 100further including lid 310. Scrap book storage device 100, as with theembodiments shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, is comprised of bottom surface 320and four (4) side surfaces 330. However, rather than having a topsurface; the embodiment of scrap book storage device 100 shown in FIG. 3has lid 310 that fits over side surfaces 330 and bottom surface 320 toform scrap book compartment 150, into which scrap book 50 can be placed.As with the embodiments shown and described with respect to FIGS. 1 and2, the embodiment of scrap book storage device 100 shown in FIG. 3 isalso made of an acid-free, lignin-free, and water-resistant material toprotect scrap book 50 once placed therein.

FIG. 3 further illustrates the inclusion of environmental controlcomponent 80. In the embodiment shown environmental control component 80comprises two packets of a carbon and silica gel mixture, but otherembodiments may include different or additional substances such asfragrance, insect and rodent repellent or other desiccants.

FIG. 4 further illustrates an additional embodiment scrap book storagedevice 100 which include foldable flap 420 which folds around boxstorage structure 440. The foldable flap 420 may comprise the base offoldable box structure 440 or may be attached to the base of boxstructure 440. FIG. 4 also shows securing component 460. In theembodiment shown, securing component 460 is a snap. In other embodimentssecuring component 460 may be Velcro, a hook a snap or a tie or anyother securing member known in the art.

Also included in FIG. 4 is environmental control component 80 comprisestwo packets of a carbon and silica gel mixture (not shown).

The scrap book storage and system shown herein can also be sold as of akit that a user can used to create the scrap book. Specifically, the kitcan include any one (1) or more of the following: the scrap book, thescrap book storage device, design-forming punches, various colored pens,pencils, and other writing instruments, ordinary or patterned scissors,cut-outs, stickers, adhesives, tape, protective plastic lids, and anyother material(s) or item(s) commonly known and used in the art ofscrapbooking.

While the scrap book storage device has been shown and described withrespect to several embodiments in accordance with the present invention,it is to be understood that the same is not limited thereto, but issusceptible to numerous changes and modifications as known to a personof ordinary skill in the art, and it is intended that the presentinvention not be limited to the details shown and described herein, butrather lid all such changes and modifications obvious to one of ordinaryskill in the art.

1. A scrapbooking storage device comprising: a storage structure havinga front wall, a rear wall, side walls and a base; and a lid, said lidpart having a lid front wall, a lid rear wall, lid side walls and a lidtop side wherein said front all, rear wall said base said lid part, saidlid front wall and said lid side walls are scrap book dimensioned. 2.The device of claim 1, which further includes at least one environmentalcontrol component.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein said storagestructure further includes a lining.
 4. The device of claim 1, whichfurther includes reinforcement components selected from a groupconsisting of reinforced box siding and reinforced box edges.
 5. Thedevice of claim 1, which is constructed from a material selected from agroup consisting from fire-resistant material, acid-free paper, ligninfree paper and recyclable material.
 6. The device of claim 1, whereinsaid lid is secured by a securing component selected from a groupconsisting of snaps, Velcro, ribbon, elastic, hooks, fitted edges,locks, hinges, rope attachments, string attachments, chains, ribbons andjoints.
 7. The device of claim 1, constructed from a group consisting ofa paper product, wood, plastic, foam or metal.
 8. The device of claim 1,which further includes impact resistant, non-collapsible sides.
 9. Thedevice of claim 1, which further includes at least one compartment forstoring memorabilia.
 10. The device of claim 1, which further includes alid selected from a group consisting of a hinged lid, a folding lid, asliding lid and a detachable lid.
 11. The scrap book storage of claim 1,which is constructed from a group consisting of mildew-resistantmaterial and fire resistant material.
 12. A scrapbooking storage systemcomprising a storage structure having a front wall, a box rear wall, boxside walls and a base; and a lid, said lid part having a lid front wall,a lid rear wall, lid side walls and a lid top side; a plurality ofmaterials for embellishing a scrap book consisting of stickers, brads,ribbons, dies, stamps, serrated scissors, glitter, sequins, beads,specially shaped papers, colored papers, adhesive papers and speciallyshaped paper punches.
 13. The scrapbooking storage system of claim 11,wherein said storage structure further includes a liner.
 14. Thescrapbooking storage system of claim 11, wherein said storage systemfurther includes an environmental.
 15. The scrapbooking storage systemof claim 11, wherein said storage structure further includesreinforcement components selected from a group consisting of reinforcedbox siding and reinforced edges.
 16. The scrapbooking storage system ofclaim 11 wherein said storage structure and said lid are constructedmaterial selected from a group consisting of fire-resistant material,mildew resistant material, acid-reduced material and lignin-reducedmaterial.
 17. The scrap book storage system of claim 11 wherein saidstorage structure and said lid are constructed from a group consistingof a paper product, wood, plastic, foam or metal.
 18. The device ofclaim 1, wherein said storage structure further includes impactresistant, non-collapsible sides.
 19. The device of claim 11, whereinsaid storage structure further r includes at least one compartment forstoring memorabilia.
 20. A scrapbooking storage device comprising: astorage structure having a front wall, a rear wall, side walls and abase; and a lid, said lid part having a lid front wall, a lid rear wall,lid side walls and a lid top side wherein said front all, rear wall saidbase said lid part, said lid front wall and said lid side walls arescrap book dimensioned and constructed from a material that is moistureresistant, mildew resistant, impact resistant, fire-proof, insectresistant and rodent resistant; a liner; and an environmental component.